Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, India, and Singapore Travellers Fear Racism in US, UK and Australia and Is It Making Difficult for Tourists to Plan their New Trips as Recent Findings Reveal Some Harsh and Groundbreaking Truths – Travel And Tour World

Southeast Asian travelers—including those from Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, India, and Singapore—have reported varying degrees of racism and discrimination when traveling abroad. While experiences can differ widely depending on individual circumstances and locations, certain countries have been highlighted in reports and personal accounts as having higher instances of racism towards Southeast Asians.

Racism and discrimination against Southeast Asian travelers have been a growing concern globally, especially between 2023 and 2025. While such experiences can vary depending on the country, the traveler’s background, and individual circumstances, it’s undeniable that Southeast Asians—particularly those from countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, India, and Singapore—have faced significant levels of racism in various parts of the world. This issue is not just a reflection of isolated events but part of broader societal challenges that are fueled by historical prejudices, economic factors, and global political tensions.

In countries like the United States, the rise of anti-Asian sentiments during the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the experience of discrimination for many Southeast Asian travelers. Reports of verbal abuse, physical assaults, and social exclusion became widespread, with many incidents directed at individuals from Chinese, Vietnamese, and other Southeast Asian communities. The political rhetoric surrounding the pandemic further fueled this negativity, turning these communities into scapegoats for the global health crisis. For instance, incidents such as the stabbing of a Chinese student in Bloomington, Indiana, in January 2023, highlight the tragic escalation of such hate-fueled actions. The increase in online hate speech against Asians after the 2024 U.S. elections further underscores the ongoing hostility faced by these communities.

United States

• June 2025 – Los Angeles Protests: During immigration enforcement actions, two Indonesian nationals were detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Los Angeles. The Indonesian consulate is coordinating with local authorities to provide consular assistance.
• February 2025 – Surge in Online Hate: Following Donald Trump’s presidential victory, anti-Asian online hate speech increased by 66%, including a 50% rise in threats of violence, according to a report by Stop AAPI Hate

Calls for Stronger Protections

In response to these challenges, there is a growing call among AAPI communities for stronger hate crime laws and better support systems. A significant number of Asian American adults believe that enhancing laws against hate crimes would be the most effective measure to prevent violence against their communities.

Political Actions and Their Impact

Recent political actions have further complicated the landscape for AAPI communities. The reintroduction of travel bans and the revocation of Chinese student visas have reignited fears among Chinese students in the U.S., who now feel a “constant sense of panic” over visa cancellations and legal scrutiny, even for minor infractions.

Online Hate and Political Climate

The political climate, particularly following the 2024 presidential election, has contributed to an increase in online hate directed at Asian communities. Reports indicate a 66% rise in anti-Asian slurs post-election, with South Asian communities being the most targeted. Additionally, online threats of violence towards Asian communities reached their highest levels in December 2024 and remained high in January 2025, potentially linked to debates over immigration policies and H-1B visas.

United Kingdom

• April 2024 – Leicester Hate Crime Report: A study by the University of Leicester found that 45% of East and Southeast Asian (ESEA) community members experienced a hate crime in the past year, totaling nearly one million incidents. The majority of perpetrators were men under 30.

Australia

• March 2025 – Anti-Asian Hate Incidents: A report by The Guardian indicated that anti-Asian hate incidents in Australia more than doubled over the past two years, with 675 incidents reported, predominantly targeting women and girls.
• October 2024 – Systematic Review Findings: A systematic review highlighted that experiences of racism during the pandemic were pervasive, often in the range of 30-40%, varying significantly between ethnic/racial groups.

Similarly, in the United Kingdom, Southeast Asians have faced increasing racial abuse, particularly during the pandemic years. The UK saw a sharp rise in hate crimes targeting East and Southeast Asian individuals, as xenophobic sentiments linked to COVID-19 spread. According to a report by the University of Leicester in April 2024, nearly half of the East and Southeast Asian communities had experienced hate crimes within the last year. These numbers reflect a disturbing trend of prejudice that has grown more visible over the last few years, with many victims facing verbal harassment, physical assaults, and exclusion from social spaces. The far-right movements in the UK, which often target minority groups, have contributed significantly to these hostilities, leading to increased incidents of violence and racial tension.

In Australia, the experience of racism by Southeast Asian travelers has been particularly concerning, with reports of stereotyping, exclusion, and physical confrontations. The nation has long grappled with racial issues, particularly against Indigenous and migrant communities, and the COVID-19 pandemic further magnified this tension. Southeast Asians, including individuals from Vietnam, Indonesia, and Singapore, have reported discriminatory practices in both public spaces and institutional settings. Research in 2023-2024 showed that Islamophobic incidents—often targeting Southeast Asian women—had more than doubled over the last two years. These findings indicate a rise in xenophobic sentiments that have deepened since the onset of the global health crisis, affecting not only the social integration of Southeast Asian communities but also their freedom to travel without fear of being targeted.

The rise in racism towards Southeast Asian travelers is not an isolated issue but a global challenge that needs to be addressed through collective efforts from governments, communities, and individuals. The experiences of racism these travelers face can have profound effects on their sense of belonging and safety while traveling abroad, and it’s crucial that countries take a more active role in combating xenophobia and racial prejudice. The increase in hate crimes and discrimination against Southeast Asian communities in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia serves as a sobering reminder that we must continue to push for more inclusive, tolerant societies where individuals of all backgrounds feel safe, respected, and welcomed.